Rev. 14-22

Rev. 19:7-10
"Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exaulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb (at last) has come, and His bride has prepared herself.  She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white--for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just and godly living, deeds, and conduct and right standing with God) of the saints (God's holy people).   Then [the angel] said to me, Write this down: Blessed (happy, to be envied) are those who are summoned (invited, called) to the marriage supper of the Lamb.  And he said to me [further], These are the true words (the genuine and exact declarations of God.  Then I fell prostrate at his feet to worship (to pay divine honors) to him, but he [restrained me] and said, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] another servant with you and your brethren who have [accepted and hold] the testimony borne by Jesus.  Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours]."


Rev. 21: 10-22:6
I won't write out the entirety of these verses but wow! the imagery, simply beautiful! I love how all the details are depicted.

I especially love chapter 21:23
"And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it, for the splendor and radiance (glory) of God illuminate it, and the Lamb is its lamp."
How cool? We were created to worship Him and His glory is soooooo vibrant it illuminates everywhere.  This reminds me of Isaiah 6 where it talks about His glory and it's so bright we would be blinded to look directly at Him. wow!

Another mention was made to "Worship God" in  Rev 22:9.  He wants us to worship Him and Him alone, but it's so easy to place other things, people etc first, sometimes without realizing it.


Very much in awe of our creator, and savior...

Revelation 1-13

God continues to teach me about being joyful, extending grace, love and forgiveness.  Finding the joy in all the little things in life that He has given me.  I will focus on that more at another time, however, I have set a new goal to read through my Bible in the next 3 months.  To help keep me accountable, it is my goal to blog a short bit each day about something that jumped out at me during my reading.

Revelation 1:7
"Behold He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall gaze upon Him and beat their breasts and mourn and lament over Him.  Even so [must it be] Amen (so be it). [Daniel 7:13, Zech. 12:10)

This reminds me of the verse "Every knee will bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all." Someday our savior will be known by all regardless of whether or not we have accepted Him.

Revelation 2:4-5
"But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love].  Remember then from what heights you have fallen.  Repent (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord] or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

The one complaint He has is that we have left our 1st love, His love.  How many other 'things' do I prioritize over spending time with my creator and the love of my life.  Have I truly set Him in a place as Lord of All? as the love of my life? or do I just say that? Do I carry that through every day, every hour and every minute of the day?


Revelation 2:10
Fear nothing that you are about to suffer. [Dismiss your dread and your fears!] Behold, the devil is indeed about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested and proved and critically appraised, and for ten days you will have affliction.  Be loyally faithful unto death [even if you must die for it], and I will give you the crown of life. [Rev. 3:10,11]

Fear nothing--strong words, promises of affliction and the possibility of death for enduring and standing strong during the tests the devil throws our way. However, the reward that God promises is one to quench all fears and to offer as our reassurance. "I will give you the crown of life" wow!! How much more could we ask for?? :)

Revelation 3:10-12
Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance [have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you], I also will keep you [safe] from the hour of trial (testing) which is coming on the whole world to try those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one may rob you and deprive you of your crown.  He who overcomes (is victorious), I will make him a pillar in the sanctuary of My God; he shall never be put out of it or go out of it, and I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which descends from My God out of heaven, and My own new name.

More sweet promises for placing our trust in Him :)

I couldn't help but laugh as a chorus of yays and neighs rang out through my classroom at 8:10 this morning.  We were working on math when the power cut.  We are still in desperate need of rain and the power rationing continues. (Tanzania is hydro-powered and right now the power is off every other day for 10 hours and on the off day it is off in the evening from 6-11) When the power goes off at school we have a generator but it means we are in for a warm and stuffy day in the classrooms.  I loved the optimism of one student as he did a little dance and cheered "oh yeah! oh yeah! The power will be back on at 6!" He was excited because he knew that though we would be without power all day if the power goes off in the morning it will (well should be) be back by 6pm making it much easier to sleep.  His cheer was instantly challenged with "WHAT? You're happy??? uggg" and he said "yes, I'll have power tonight!" when the other student said "ugggh, but when you have power at night, we don't have power!" The cheering student felt some remorse and banged the table with his hand and said "Curse you power!" The laughter ensued.  Please continue to pray for rain for Tanzania.

We spent much of the day learning outside, sitting in the shade, and appreciating God's lovely creation.  Savoring the cool breeze off the ocean. The rest of the day and staff meeting passed quickly.

This evening was spent with many of the other single teachers at the Little Theater watching the kids performance. What a treat to watch my kids up on stage performing.  Some who are shy in the classroom, are confident on the stage and do a lovely job.  We have a very talented group of students at the school, and what a blessing to watch each child branch out using their God given talents.

Another ordinary day, thankful for umeme (power) at school today, I appreciated the nice AC and the working internet.

Today during a nice quiet time, the following verse jumped out at me from 1 Thessalonians  5:19 "Do not quench the Spirit"--hmmm...watching again as God is working :)

After school, I went to tutor and was greeted with a warm welcome from one of my sweet little ones.  I arrived during the call to pray around 4 pm.  I pray a covering of Jesus over the place and over myself and continue to pray to Jesus at this designated prayer time.

Following tutoring, we started the trek home. Today I enjoyed sharing stories about how mischievious I was when younger and I enjoyed listening to stories about parenting in Tanzania.  I reflect on situations from when I was younger and marvel at God's grace and love.  I think of my dear, sweet, amazing mom.  I can't wait to get home to give her a huge bear hug! Love you mom!!

Another opportunity to bless arose today and I stand in awe as God moves mountains and develops new relationships while at the same time reminding me to lean on him for everything.  What an awesome God we serve.  Thanks to each of you who supports me through love, prayer, encouragement and financially for me to do what I do.  May you be blessed.

Please continue to join me in prayer for those who do not know Jesus.  I pray that He will reveal Himself in new and marvelous ways.

Have a blessed day!

Today as usual started with a lovely hour  relaxing at home prior to the start of school, this was accompanied by a wonderful call from my grandma asking 'when are you coming home?' (needless to say the questions make me more eager to come and give you all hugs!).  I told her the end of Juneish. 

School went well, and flew by in a blur, Monday's are a crazy busy day for me with no breaks at all.  After school I headed for another part of Dar where I tutor 3 kiddos.  The kids worked diligently today and were focused the entire time I had them.  I was thinking again about how much I love my job! 

The ride home began and my friend was driving the bajaj.  There were many officials and thus began the game (or skill?) of dodging the gaze of the officer.  I was laughing so hard I couldn't stop.  Everything is cool and we weren't doing anything wrong (except that we are still missing one sticker from TRA on the new bajaj).  The officers seem to enjoy stopping people to chit chat.  At one point we turned around and back tracked through traffic 5 min to take a new route. We stopped at Mwenge picked up some more friends and continued home.  While stopping for some bajaj parts I received another offer for a husband and if I wouldn't accept that I could be a girlfriend.  I told the guy goodbye, and my friend politely sent him off using Swahili.  Again...thankful for great friends who come to the rescue, and the opportunity to pray for a guy who needs Jesus.  

Today as I arrived in church I was feeling exhausted, it's been a long week. I continue to think about praise.  Yesterday in Madale village I had the kids make tambourines and we wrote Psalm 34:1 (in Swahili) (I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.) on their tambourines.  A reminder to praise constantly.  Pastor Shaun has challenged us with a continuing reminder that we should praise constantly.

 Today's sermon focused on Revelation 5 and the Lion of Judah.  A very insightful message.  Following the service I enjoyed the time to visit and fellowship with others. While chatting Pastor Shaun called me up to the front where he was praying with a teenage gal.  He said I have a feeling this girl needs a hug.  Don't know all the situations with this dear teenager but I do know that God has laid her on my heart to continue to pray.  Please keep her in your prayers if you think of her.

This evening my adventure was to go to the market and buy potatoes for supper.  My friend was here and needed a lift so I gave him a ride and purchased my potatoes.  On the way back I was right near 'the short cut' road.  I turned down the road without so much as a second thought.  I got to the precarious place but thought-it will be ok, we haven't had any rain.  OOPS! I was mistaken! before I knew it, I was STUCK in gross, yucky, stinky, MUD! I had an instant second of panic as I realized it was dark, and there weren't others around. I got out and tried to push my bajaj but to no avail.  I needed to steer and push at the same time and it just wasn't happening.  A few minutes passed and along came a piki-piki (otherwise know as a motorcycle).  The piki piki (with driver and passenger) quickly passed through the muddy substance.  I quickly hopped out of the bajaj and in my limited Swahili asked if they would please help me.  Without hesitation they came to my rescue, we rocked back and forth a few times and then they finally pushed me out!  I couldn't thank them enough for their kindness.  I've decided no more short cuts for awhile! :) Thankful for the kindness of Tanzanians and friends.